Ukraine: International coronavirus disease-related entry restrictions and other domestic measures remain in effect as of Dec. 24 /update 16

Ukraine extends coronavirus disease-related domestic restrictions until Feb. 28; measures to be further tightened Jan. 8-24.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), health officials in Ukraine have extended existing restrictions until at least Feb. 28. Authorities will further tighten domestic measures from Jan 8-24:

Restaurants, cafes, and bars will close from 1000-0700 daily. From Jan. 8-24, restaurants and bars will only provide takeout services.
Public events are capped at 20 people. From Jan. 8-24, public events will not be permitted.
Religious services are limited to one person per five square meters (54 square feet) of space.
Shopping malls will be closed from Jan. 8-24.
All educational institutions, except for nurseries and kindergartens, will be closed Jan. 8-24.

Several other restrictive measures remain in effect nationwide. Persons from different households must adhere to social distancing of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) while in public. Protective face coverings are mandatory in public, including on public transport, in public buildings, and in crowded indoor spaces.

Authorities are maintaining existing international entry restrictions as of Dec. 24. Foreign arrivals require proof of travel insurance that would cover the cost of COVID-19 observation and treatment. The traveler's insurance must be issued by a company in Ukraine or an international insurance company with representation or a partnership in Ukraine. Foreigners and stateless persons who permanently reside in Ukraine, refugees, and diplomats are exempt from the requirement.

In addition, officials categorize foreign countries into "green" and "red" classifications depending on disease activity in those countries. Travelers from green countries can enter Ukraine without restriction. Travelers arriving from red countries must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or can opt to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and must self-isolate until a negative result is confirmed. Persons in possession of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival, as well as diplomats, representatives of foreign organizations, students, international freight truck drivers, and aircraft and vessel crew members, are exempt.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.